91ÖÆƬ³§

Alyvia-Mae Syriac, from Manchester, NH, is majoring in biochemistry, molecular and cellular biology. Lyv shared her experience transferring to the College of Life Sciences and Agriculture at 91ÖÆƬ³§. 

Why did you choose to transfer to the 91ÖÆƬ³§ College of Life Sciences and Agriculture?

Alyvia-Mae Syriac: I chose to transfer to COLSA because I knew my career goals resonated in being familiar with up-and-coming research, as well as having a strong foundation of the basic sciences. 91ÖÆƬ³§ provides endless research opportunities for undergraduates and I am honored to have been a part of two separate 91ÖÆƬ³§ research labs as of this summer.

How was your overall experience transferring to COLSA? What resources helped you to make the process smoother?

Lyv: An incredible resource that helped me transfer into COLSA was a program run by Assistant Dean Kim Babbitt and Professor Melissa Aikens. The program, called , is a once-weekly seminar that allows fellow community college transfer students to collaborate with each other as well as introduce us to the multitude of 91ÖÆƬ³§ resources including those for career, academic and writing support.

How would you describe your experience as a transfer student so far?

Lyv: My experience as a transfer student thus far has been incredible. I believe that my community college experience prepared me with strategies to thrive at the university, which I have certainly done these past two semesters.

What are the resources at the college that have helped you acclimate and be successful?

Lyv: The top resource that helped me acclimate and be successful in COLSA are the wonderful and caring practitioners at 91ÖÆƬ³§'s Health and Wellness clinic. Being able to maintain a healthy control of my diagnoses without worrying about appointments off-campus or high co-pay costs has allowed me to focus more time on my research and academics.

What is your major and what do you love about it?

Lyv: When I graduated from community college with my A.S. in biology, I knew I wanted to dive even deeper into the cellular processes that occur throughout living systems when I transferred to 91ÖÆƬ³§. My major at 91ÖÆƬ³§ is biochemistry, molecular and cellular biology. I love that my major incorporates lab technique class requirements, which place students in upper-level biology laboratories that investigate interesting topics like tissue regeneration and cell phenotyping.

How is 91ÖÆƬ³§ preparing you to achieve your goals?

Lyv: My dream is to become a primary care physician and practice in the beautiful state of New Hampshire. 91ÖÆƬ³§ is home to our quick-thinking and knowledgeable Pre-Health Advisor Melissa Samaro, who has helped me prepare to achieve my medical school dreams. Because of Melissa and her team, earlier this semester I was able to attend a pre-medical student event at my dream medical school: Dartmouth College's Geisel School of Medicine in Lebanon New Hampshire.

What advice to you have for students who are considering transferring to 91ÖÆƬ³§?

Lyv: My best advice for students who are considering a 91ÖÆƬ³§ transfer is to network! Many professors in COLSA are familiar with one another and reaching out to one professor about a research opportunity may lead to possibilities with other professors if you maintain networking as an important part of your time as a 91ÖÆƬ³§ student.

Please share one unique or interesting fact about yourself.

Lyv: I love to alter my avatar and self-expression is a huge part of my personality! It's unlikely that you'll see me with the same hair color or style for longer than a month or two. I am also a tattoo enthusiast, a detailed scrapbooker, and am hoping to get my tongue pierced with a second barbell sometime this summer!

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